From
the cross-tabs of CNN's newly released poll on fiscal policy, conducted August 5 to 7:
Which of these statements comes closest to your view:
• Taxes on wealthy people should be kept low because they invest their money in the private sector and that helps the economy and creates jobs
• Taxes on wealthy people should be kept high so the government can use their money for programs to help lower-income people
All:
Kept low: 33
Kept high: 62
Support tea party:
Kept low: 77
Kept high: 20
Neutral on tea party:
Kept low: 23
Kept high: 71
Oppose tea party:
Kept low: 15
Kept high: 80
First, it's time for people who say they are neutral on the tea party to wake up and realize that if they think taxes on the wealthy should be higher, then they oppose the tea party. They aren't neutral. And they'd be insane to consider voting Republican in November 2012.
Second, it's obvious the Obama administration understands these numbers: that's why President Obama is so comfortable making an issue out of the GOP's unwillingness to raise taxes. But now it's time to do something about it.
The one potentially good thing about the Gang of 12 super committee is that it gives President Obama the leverage he needs to demand the effective expiration of the Bush high-income tax cuts. He should veto any Gang of 12 deficit reduction package that doesn't accomplish that goal. And if he does, he'll have the public on his side.
It's time to fight. No more capitulation. It's time to stand up and make it clear that the tea party does not rule America.